Telescoping pole mount

ABSTRACT

A telescoping pole mount formed of an elongated male tube member that is slidable within an elongated female tube member. An internal locking mechanism for securing the telescoping pole at a selected elevation is provided as first and second cooperating wedges that are each structured to slide along a plane of mutual contact that is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the female tube member, the wedges are sized to slide within the female tube member with the first wedge being positioned within the female tube member exterior to a portion of the male tube member that is positioned within the female tube member. A lengthwise drive mechanism is coupled for driving the second wedge against the first wedge along the plane of contact and into an interlocked relationship therewith. A disengaging mechanism is provided for disengaging the wedges from their interlocked relationship.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a free standing telescoping pole mountfor mounting an external device at a selected elevation, and inparticular to a telescoping pole mount having an internal lockingmechanism for securing the telescoping pole at a selected elevation, andhaving a mechanical arm that is rotational relative to the telescopingpole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Telescoping pole mounts are generally well known. However, lengthwiselocking mechanisms of such known telescoping pole mounts in general tendto fail when any portion of the pole is rotated relative to anotherportion thereof. Subsequently, the telescoping portions of the polebecome unlocked, and slide one within the other.

Consequently, it is desirable to have improvements in the lengthwiselocking mechanisms of telescoping poles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes limitations of the prior art byproviding a telescoping pole mount having an internal locking mechanismfor securing the telescoping pole at a selected elevation, and adisengaging mechanism for disengaging the internal locking mechanism.

According to one aspect of the invention, the telescoping pole mount ofthe invention includes an elongated male tube member that is slidablewithin an elongated female tube member; the internal locking mechanismfor securing the telescoping pole at a selected elevation is provided asfirst and second cooperating wedges that are each structured to slidealong a plane of mutual contact that is inclined relative to alongitudinal axis of the female tube member, the first and secondcooperating wedges are further sized to slide within the female tubemember with the first wedge being positioned within the female tubemember adjacent to a portion of the male tube member that is positionedwithin the female tube member; a lengthwise drive mechanism that iscoupled for driving the second wedge against the first wedge along theplane of contact and into an interlocked relationship therewith; and thedisengaging mechanism for disengaging the internal locking mechanism bydisengaging the first and second wedges from their interlockedrelationship.

According to another aspect of the invention, the disengaging mechanismof the invention is formed by a spring that is coupled for biasing thefirst and second wedges apart substantially along the longitudinal axisof the female tube member.

According to another aspect of the invention, the spring is acompression spring.

According to another aspect of the invention, the first and secondcooperating wedges form a cavity therebetween with the compressionspring positioned therein.

According to another aspect of the invention, the cavity is formed of afirst cavity formed in the first wedge and a second cavity formed in thesecond wedge, with the first and second cavities communicating along aportion of the plane of mutual contact.

According to another aspect of the invention, the spring is a tensionspring.

According to another aspect of the invention, the lengthwise drivemechanism is formed of a coupler between the second wedge and a portionof the male member that is positioned external of the female member, andan actuator that is structured for driving the coupler relative to theportion of the male member that is external of the female member; and athrust bearing is interfaced between the actuator and the portion of themale member that is external of the female member.

According to another aspect of the invention, the thrust bearing is anyone of a pin thrust bearing, a roller thrust bearing, and a ball thrustbearing.

According to another aspect of the invention, the a mechanical arm isinterfaced between one end of the male tube member and the lengthwisedrive mechanism, the mechanical arm being rotatable relative to the endof the male tube member. According to one aspect of the invention, themechanical arm is formed of two parts: an inner arm portion that isrotatable relative to the end of the male tube member, and an outer armportion that is rotatable relative to the inner arm portion at aposition remote from the male tube member.

Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view that illustrates by example and withoutlimitation the present invention embodied as a telescoping pole mount;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view that illustrates one embodiment of thetelescoping pole mount of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the telescoping pole mount of theinvention that illustrates a male tube member being repositionedlengthwise of a female tube member;

FIG. 4 is a close-up cross sectional view that illustrates oneembodiment of a lengthwise locking mechanism of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a close-up cross sectional view that illustrates oneembodiment of a lengthwise drive mechanism of the invention foractivating the lengthwise locking mechanism of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view that illustrates by example and withoutlimitation one alternative embodiment of the telescoping pole of thepresent invention having a double arm mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view that illustrates an alternativeembodiment of the lengthwise locking mechanism of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a close-up cross sectional view that illustrates oneembodiment of the lengthwise drive mechanism of the invention of theinvention;

FIG. 9 is a close-up cross sectional view that illustrates onealternative embodiment of the telescoping pole of the present inventionhaving a double arm mechanism;

FIG. 10 is a close-up cross sectional view that illustrates analternative embodiment of a disengaging mechanism of the invention fordisengaging the lengthwise locking mechanism of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a close-up cross sectional view that illustrates anotheralternative embodiment of a disengaging mechanism of the invention fordisengaging the lengthwise locking mechanism of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention by example and withoutlimitation embodied as a telescoping pole mount 10 having at its core atelescoping pole 12 formed of an outer female tube 14 standing on a baseplate 16, and an inner male tube 18 sized to slide lengthwise within thefemale tube 14, as indicated by the straight arrows, to differentlengthwise relative positions. The relative positions of the female andmale tubes 14, 18 of the telescoping pole 12 are arbitrary and areoptionally reversed in a device that practices the present inventionwithin the scope and intent of the present invention. A rotatableapparatus or mechanical arm 20 is mounted on the male tube 18 externalto the female tube 14 and is rotatable about the telescoping pole 12, asindicated by the curved arrows, without unlocking the female and maletubes 14, 18.

According to embodiment, the rotatable mechanical arm 20 includes a hub22 that rotates completely around the pole 12 on a substantially planarplatform 24 that is optionally fixed stationary to one end 18 a of themale tube 18 that remains external to the female tube 14. Whenstationary, the platform 24 is for example threaded, machined, molded,cast, welded or otherwise securely fixed to the external end 18 a of themale tube 18. Alternatively, the platform 24 is free to rotate about thetelescoping pole 12, as indicated by the curved arrows, withoutunlocking the female and male tubes 14, 18.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the rotatable arm 20includes an arm 28 that extends away outward from the pole 12. Byexample and without limitation, the arm 28 culminates in a ball andsocket mounting apparatus 30 of the type described in U.S. Pat. No.5,845,885, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.For example, the ball and socket mounting apparatus 30 provides apositionable mounting platform 30 a extended on a post 30 b from asphere 30 c of resiliently compressible material that is angularly androtationally positionable between a pair of clamping arms 30 d, 30 ethat together form a socket 30 f that is clamped about the sphere 30 cwhen a clamping mechanism 30 g is engaged and tightened. The sphere 30 cof resiliently compressible material is captured in the socket 30 f byincreased tightening of the clamping mechanism 30 g to squeeze togetherthe clamping arms 30 d, 30 e. The positionable mounting platform 30 a(shown with a pattern of mounting holes 30 h) is optionally structuredto any device or structure of the user's choice.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the telescoping pole mount 10 of theinvention that illustrates the telescoping pole 12 of the invention withthe male tube 18 locked within the female tube 14 at a selectedelevation by a lengthwise locking mechanism 32. According to oneembodiment of the invention, the lengthwise locking mechanism 32 isformed by a pair of cooperating wedges 34, 36 that are forced apartlaterally by sliding along a sharply inclined plane of mutual contact 42that is formed between respective inclined surfaces 34 a, 36 a whentheir combined lengthwise dimension is forcefully compressed. Accordingto one embodiment of the invention, the cooperating wedges 34, 36 aresubstantially identical in configuration so that a single wedge form ormold is used to produce both of the pair of cooperating wedges 34, 36.However, substantial identity between the cooperating wedges 34, 36 isnot necessary and may be eliminated in a practical application of theinvention, as discussed herein below.

A lengthwise drive mechanism 52 of the invention cooperates with thelengthwise locking mechanism 32 for driving the cooperating wedges 34,36 together along the inclined plane of mutual contact 42. By exampleand without limitation, the lengthwise drive mechanism 52 of theinvention is configured to pull the inclined surface 34 a of the fartherwedge 34 against the inclined surface 36 a of the nearer wedge 36 alongthe inclined plane of mutual contact 42. According to one embodiment ofthe invention, the lengthwise drive mechanism 52 of the invention isconfigured having a coupler 38 that is coupled to the farther wedge 34and extended past the nearer wedge 36 and through the male tube 18 andbeyond the platform 24 at the male tube's external end 18 a. An actuator40 is coupled to the coupler 38 external of the male tube 18 for drivingthe coupler 38 relative to the platform 24. In other words, the actuator40 is structured for drawing the farther wedge 34 against the nearerwedge 36 by pulling the coupler 38 along the male tube 18 toward theplatform 24 at the male tube's external end 18 a.

By example and without limitation, the coupler 38 is embodied as anelongated bolt or threaded rod 38 that is extended lengthwise throughthe two cooperating wedges 34, 36; the actuator 40 is embodied as athreaded knob actuator 40 that engages a first threaded end of the 38 aof the coupler 38 external of the male tube 18 beyond the platform 24.Turning the knob actuator 40 against the external platform 24 pulls theend 38 a of the coupler 38 through the male tube 18, which in turncauses the threaded rod coupler 38 to draw the farther wedge 34lengthwise along the inside of the outer female tube 14. Otherlengthwise drive mechanisms 52 are also contemplated for drawing thefarther wedge 34 against the nearer wedge 36 and may be substitutedwithout deviating from the scope and intent of the invention. Forexample, a cam and lever are optionally substituted for the threaded rodcoupler 38 and knob actuator 40 of the lengthwise drive mechanism 52.

At least the threaded end 38 a of the rod coupler 38 is extendedexternal to the male tube 18 and platform 24 by, for example, passingthough a clearance hole 24 a through the platform 24 that issubstantially aligned with the center of the male tube 18, and thussimultaneously substantially centers the rod coupler 38 relative to bothof the surrounding tubes 14, 18. The knob actuator 40 is provided with alengthwise bore 40 a that is at least partially formed with an internalfemale thread 40 b matched to male threads 38 a formed on the rodcoupler 38. Turning the knob actuator 40 pulls the rod coupler 38through the male tube 18, which simultaneously draws the farthercooperating wedge 34 lengthwise of the female tube 14 and against thenearer cooperating wedge 36. The respective sharply inclined surfaces 34a, 36 a of the cooperating wedges 34, 36 interact along a sharplyinclined plane of mutual contact 42 which forces the cooperating wedges34, 36 to move crosswise to one another and laterally of the female tube14, as indicated by the outwardly pointing arrows. This relativecrosswise motion drives the cooperating wedges 34, 36 to jam and wedgelaterally against an inner wall 14 a of the female tube 14. Thecooperating wedges 34, 36 thus cause the locking mechanism 32 to fix themale tube 18 lengthwise of the female tube 14.

Reversing the knob actuator 40 lengthens the rod 38 within the male tube18 and permits the farther wedge 34 to back away from the nearer wedge36 along the plane of contact 42. With the lengthwise force of the rodcoupler 38 removed, the wedges 34, 36 return to their normal positionscentral of the female tube 14. The lengthwise locking mechanism 32 isthereby released, which permits selective lengthwise adjustment of themale tube 18 relative to the female tube 14 before re-engaging thelocking mechanism 32.

FIG. 3 illustrates, by example and without limitation, the male tube 18being repositioned lengthwise of the female tube 14.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the cooperating wedges 34, 36 of thelengthwise locking mechanism 32. A joint 37 is expected to be formedbetween the nearer wedge 36 and a second end 18 b of the male tube 18that remains within the female tube 14. Accordingly, the nearer wedge 36is expected to be welded, threaded, swaged, keyed, pinned or otherwisecoupled in a rotationally fixed relationship with the second end 18 b ofthe male tube 18. By example and without limitation, the nearer wedge 36is further formed with a lengthwise clearance passage 36 b that is sizedto slidingly pass the rod coupler 38 therethrough without appreciableinterference and yet simultaneously substantially center the rod coupler38 relative to both the wedge 36 and the surrounding tubes 14, 18.However, frictional forces may adequately substitute for expresslyfixing the nearer wedge 36 relative to the male tube 18.

The farther wedge 34 and the rod coupler 38 are expected to be mutuallystructured to be rotationally fixed relative to one another. By exampleand without limitation, the wedge 34 is fixed to a second end 38 b ofthe rod coupler 38 opposite from the first threaded end 38 a. By exampleand without limitation, the farther wedge 34 is formed with a lengthwiseclearance passage 34 b that is sized to slidingly pass the rod coupler38 therethrough, but is undersized relative to the oversized head 38 bof the rod coupler 38. According to one embodiment of the invention, thefarther wedge 34 and the oversized head 38 b of the rod coupler 38 arestructured in a mutually cooperative manner as to keep the rod coupler38 from turning relative to the farther wedge 34. For example, theoversized rod head 38 b is square or hex shaped and is sized to fit witha mating square or hex shaped socket 34 c in the farther wedge 34opposite from the incline surface 34 a. According to one embodiment ofthe invention, the oversized head 38 b is a nut, such as a locking nut,that is threaded onto the rod coupler 38 at the second end 38 b oppositefrom the first end 38 a. Alternatively, the wedge 34 is welded,threaded, swaged, keyed, pinned or otherwise coupled in a rotationallyfixed relationship with the rod coupler 38, whereby the oversized head38 b may be eliminated. Any suitable structure for coupling the rodcoupler 38 in a rotationally fixed relationship with the farther wedge34 may be substituted without deviating from the scope and intent of theinvention. Additionally, although the farther wedge 34 and the rodcoupler 38 are expected to include such structure for being mutuallyrotationally fixed, frictional forces may adequately substitute forexpressly fixing the farther wedge 34 relative to the rod coupler 38.

The nearer wedge 36 is optionally provided with a socket 36 c oppositefrom the incline surface 36 a to be consistent with the optionalidentity of the two wedges 34, 36. However, as discussed above,substantial identity between the cooperating wedges 34, 36 is notnecessary. Therefore, the socket 36 c may be eliminated in practice ofthe invention.

Turning the knob actuator 40 pulls the rod coupler 38 through the maletube 18 and draws the oversized head 38 b of the rod coupler 38 towardthe nearer wedge 36, which in turn draws the farther cooperating wedge34 lengthwise along the inside of the outer female tube 14 and againstthe nearer cooperating wedge 36. Upon contact, the respective sharplyinclined surfaces 34 a, 36 a of the cooperating wedges 34, 36 interactalong an inclined plane of contact 42. The nearer wedge 36 cannotretreat relative to the male tube 18 that is strong enough to resist thestress in the rod coupler 38. Therefore, the continued action of theknob actuator 40 through the rod coupler 38 forcefully draws the fartherwedge 34 to move along the plane of contact 42 crosswise to the nearerwedge 36 and laterally of the female tube 18, as indicated by theoutward pointing arrows. According to one embodiment of the invention,the cooperating wedges 34, 36 are both sized to slide within the femaletube 14 with little clearance. Therefore, crosswise and lateral motiondrives the cooperating wedges 34, 36 to jam and wedge against an innerwall 14 a of the female tube 14. The cooperating wedges 34, 36 thuscause the locking mechanism 32 to fix the male tube 18 lengthwise of thefemale tube 14.

Reverse turning of the knob actuator 40 reverses the rod coupler 38 intothe male tube 18 and permits the farther wedge 34 to back away from thenearer wedge 36 along the plane of contact 42. With the lengthwisetension of the rod coupler 38 thus relieved, both wedges 34, 36 returnto their normal positions central of the female tube 14. The lengthwiselocking mechanism 32 is thus released, which permits selectiveadjustment of the male tube 18 relative to the female tube 14.

According to one embodiment of the invention, one or both the female andmale tubes 14, 18 are round. Accordingly, they may be mutually rotatableso the apparatus or arm 20 can be rotated about the telescoping pole 12even if it is fixed to the external end 18 a of the male tube 18.Engaging the lengthwise locking mechanism 32 additionally secures thetubes 14, 18 against mutual rotation while simultaneously fixing thelength or extension of the telescoping pole 12.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the female and male tubes14, 18 are formed with cooperating shapes, such as mating square or hexshapes, so that they are substantially restricted against mutualrotation by their cooperating shapes. Accordingly, engaging thelengthwise locking mechanism 32 merely fixes the relative lengthwisepositions of the tubes 14, 18 for fixing the length or extension of thetelescoping pole 12.

Re-engaging the locking mechanism 32 fixes the male tube 18 in a newposition relative to the female tube 14, as illustrated by example andwithout limitation in FIG. 3.

Also illustrated here is one exemplary embodiment of the invention forovercoming the disengagement resistance of prior art wedge mechanisms.In prior art devices, a sharp rap or other activation must be applied todisengage prior art wedge mechanisms from their interlocked relationshipbecause they became so effectively jammed against one another and thewall of the tubes.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a disengaging mechanism 43is provided for disengaging the wedges 34, 36 from their interlockedrelationship. As illustrated here, the disengaging mechanism 43 isembodied as a strong compression spring 44 for disengaging the wedges34, 36, for example by pushing the farther wedge 34 away from the nearerwedge 36. For example, the compression spring 44 is positioned betweenthe cooperating wedges 34, 36. By example and without limitation, thewedges 34, 36 are formed with respective lengthwise hollow cavities 34d, 36 d that communicate with one another along the plane of contact 42.The compression spring 44 is compressed to fit into the communicatingcavities 34 d, 36 d. The spring 44 is sized having an uncompressedlength that is longer than a combined length of the communicatinglengthwise cavities 34 d, 36 d in the respective wedges 34, 36. When thefarther wedge 34 is drawn against the nearer wedge 36, the compressionspring 44 is compressed within the lengthwise cavities 34 d, 36 dbetween their opposing respective floor portions 34 e, 36 e. However,when effectively compressed, the compressed length of the spring 44 doesnot interfere with engagement of the inclined wedge surfaces 34 a, 36 aalong the plane of contact 42 and consequent lateral spreading of thewedges 34, 36 during engagement of the locking mechanism 32.

Upon relief of the lengthwise tension of the rod coupler 38, expansionspring force in the compressed spring 44 operates against the opposingfloor portions 34 e, 36 e of the wedge lengthwise cavities 34 d, 36 d.The expansion spring force operates to push apart and disengage the twointeracting wedges 34, 36 to release the lengthwise locking mechanism32. The expansion force in the spring 44 is sufficiently strong that,when the tension in the lengthwise rod coupler 38 is relieved,decompression and expansion of the spring 44 overcomes the jamming forcethat holds the wedges 34, 36 against the inner wall 14 a of the femaletube 14. Disengagement from the tube inner wall 14 a permits the wedges34, 36 to return to their normal positions central of the female tube 14where they slide freely. The lengthwise locking mechanism 32 isreleased, and the male tube 18 is free to be repositioned relative tothe female tube 14.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a lengthwise drive mechanism 52 ofthe invention for drawing the rod coupler 38 through the male tube 18and pulling the farther wedge 34 against the nearer wedge 36 along theinclined plane of contact 42. By example and without limitation,lengthwise drive mechanism 52 of the invention is provided as the knobactuator 40. According to one embodiment of the invention by example andwithout limitation, the knob actuator 40 is provided with a lengthwisebore 40 a having an internal female thread 40 b that is attached to malethreads formed on the threaded end 38 a of the rod coupler 38 oppositefrom the oversized head 38 b. Alternatively, the rod coupler 38 isoptionally so threaded for substantially its entire length. Turning theknob actuator 40 causes a contact surface 40 c of the knob actuator 40to act against the external platform 24 to draw the threaded rod coupler38 through the platform 24 and pulls it through the male tube 18, asdiscussed herein. According to different embodiments of the invention,the knob actuator 40 alternatively works either directly against acontact surface 24 b of the platform 24 (shown in subsequent Figures),or through the intervening hub 22 of the rotatable arm 20 (shown here).

The hub 22 of the rotatable arm 20 is structured to rotate about thetelescoping pole 12 even while the lengthwise locking mechanism 32 isfully engaged for fixing the female and male tubes 14, 18 relative toone another. The inventor of the present invention has determinedthrough experimentation that, without an interface structure between thethreaded knob actuator 40 and the platform 24 for decoupling rotationsof the rotatable arm 20 from the knob contact surface 40 c, the threadedknob actuator 40 invariably loosens on the threaded rod end 38 a whenthe arm 20 is rotated in the thread direction. Loosening of the knobactuator 40 relieves the tension in the rod coupler 38 and releases thelengthwise locking mechanism 32. The inner male tube 18 is then able tomove freely within the outer female tube 14. Such loosening of thethreaded knob actuator 40 and consequent release of the lengthwiselocking mechanism 32 defeats the purpose of structuring the mechanicalarm 20 to rotate about the telescoping pole 12.

By example and without limitation, one exemplary embodiment a decouplingmechanism 45 of the invention is illustrated for decoupling rotation ofthe rotatable mechanical arm 20 from the actuator knob's contact surface40 c and thereby overcoming the loosening of the lengthwise lockingmechanism 32. A thrust bearing 46 is installed to interface between thecontact surface 40 c of the threaded knob actuator 40 and the contactsurface 24 b of the platform 24. When the rotatable mechanical arm 20 isinstalled between the threaded knob actuator 40 and platform 24, asshown, the thrust bearing 46 is interfaced between the actuator knob'scontact surface 40 c and a first contact surface 22 a of thepresentation platform's hub 22. The thrust bearing 46 decouples therotational drive of the hub's contact surface 22 a from the actuatorknob's contact surface 40 c. The thrust bearing 46 thus permits the hub22 to rotate in either direction about the telescoping pole 12 withoutaffecting the firmly threaded relationship between the rod end 38 a andthe threaded knob actuator 40. The thrust bearing 46 is, by example andwithout limitation, any form of conventional thrust bearing, including apin thrust bearing, a roller thrust bearing, and a ball thrust bearing.For example, the thrust bearing 46 is structured of a quantity ofhardened pins, rollers or balls 46 a evenly distributed within a cage 46b between a pair of smooth plates or washers 46 c. The washers 46 cinterface with the different contact surfaces 22 a, 40 c of the hub 22and knob actuator 40, respectively. The hardened pins, rollers or balls46 a interface between the opposing washers 46 c. According to oneembodiment of the invention, the thrust bearing 46 includes a clearancepassage 46 d central of the cage 46 b and washers 46 c that admitspassage of the threaded rod coupler 38 therethrough and thatsimultaneously serves to center the thrust bearing 46 within its spacebetween the hub 22 and the threaded knob actuator 40 and to retain it inposition during operation.

The thrust washer 46 has been determined to support any load that can begenerated between the respective hub and knob interface surfaces 22 aand 40 c. Intervention of the thrust washer 46 has been determined toeffectively decouple rotations of the rotatable mechanical arm 20 fromthe knob contact surface 40 c such that the threaded knob actuator 40invariably retains its threaded relationship with the threaded rod end38 a when the mechanical arm 20 is rotated in any direction, includingthe thread direction. The novel thrust bearing 46 interfaced between theactuator knob's contact surface 40 c and the hub's contact surface 22 athus permits relative rotation of the mechanical arm 20, while theintegrity of the threaded relationship between the rod end 38 a and knobactuator 40 is maintained and effectiveness of the locking mechanism 32remains uncompromised.

An optional bushing 48 may be interfaced between a second oppositecontact surface 22 b of the hub 22 portion of the rotatable mechanicalarm 20 and the stationary platform's contact surface 24 b for easingrotation of the mechanical arm 20 relative to the platform 24. Forexample, the bushing 48 is formed in a thick washer shape having acentral passage 48 a for clearance of the rod coupler 38. The bushing 48is formed of a conventional material, such as nylon, Teflon®, orDelrin®, or another bushing material. Alternatively, another thrustbearing 46 is substituted for the bushing 48 between the hub's secondcontact surface 22 b and the platform's contact surface 24 b.

Also illustrated is a clearance passage 22 c through the hub 22 that issized to pass the threaded rod coupler 38 and thereby retain alignmentof the rotatable mechanical arm 20 relative to the telescoping pole 12during rotation thereabout.

FIG. 6 illustrates the telescoping pole 12 of the present inventionalternatively embodied as having a first one of the threaded knobactuators 40 alternatively positioned to work against the platform 24,without intervention of the rotatable mechanical arm 20, for operatingthe lengthwise locking mechanism 32 and thereby fixing the elevation ofthe telescoping pole 12. Here the male tube 18 and the optionallystationary platform 24 fixed on its exterior end 18 a together can berotated relative to the telescoping pole 12 while the locking mechanism32 is relaxed, when one or both of the tubes 14, 18 are round. However,when the locking mechanism 32 is engaged, the optionally stationaryplatform 24 is fixed to the male tube 18 so that it is not rotatablerelative to the telescoping pole 12, as contrasted with the rotation ofthe mechanical arm 20 relative to the platform 24. Therefore, only acommon flat washer 50 is provided for interfacing between the first knobactuator's contact surface 40 c and the platform's contact surface 24 bfor easing turning of the knob actuator 40. According to one embodimentof the invention, the decoupling mechanism 45 of the invention isoptionally interfaced between the first actuator knob's contact surface40 c and the stationary platform's contact surface 24 b for furthereasing turning of the knob actuator 40. For example, either the thrustbearing 46 or bushing 48 is optionally interfaced between the firstactuator knob's contact surface 40 c and the stationary platform'scontact surface 24 b. However, the thrust bearing 46 and bushing 48interfaces are unnecessary because the platform 24 is fixed to the maletube 18 so that it is not rotatable relative to the telescoping pole 12as contrasted with the rotation of the rotatable mechanical arm 20relative to the platform 24. Therefore, no opportunity is presented forloosening the knob actuator 40 on the threaded rod end 38 a throughrotation of the intervening platform 24.

As illustrated here, the platform 24 is enlarged relative to embodimentsillustrated in previous figures, and the rotatable mechanical arm 20 ispositioned remotely from the telescoping pole 12. When the telescopingpole 12 has been extended to a selected elevation and fixed by operationof the lengthwise locking mechanism 32, as detailed in subsequentfigures, the mechanical arm 20 is rotatable relative to the enlargedplatform 24 at its remote position from the telescoping pole 12. Alengthwise clamping mechanism 54 fixes the rotatable hub 22 firmlyagainst the platform 24 so that the rotatable mechanical arm 20 neithertips nor wobbles when loaded, yet the mechanical arm 20 is fullyrotatable relative to the platform 24. According to one embodiment ofthe invention, the lengthwise clamping mechanism 54 includes a seconddecoupling mechanism 45 of the invention for decoupling rotation of therotatable mechanical arm 20 and thereby overcoming the loosening of thelengthwise clamping mechanism 54.

Optionally, another bushing 48 may be interfaced between the secondopposite contact surface 22 b of the hub 22 of the rotatable mechanicalarm 20 and the stationary platform's contact surface 24 b for easingrotation of the mechanical arm 20 relative to the platform 24.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the platform 24 isrotatable relative to the end 18 a of the male tube 18. Therefore, theplatform 24 is a second rotatable apparatus or mechanical arm that ismounted on the male tube 18 external to the female tube 14 and isrotatable about the telescoping pole 12, as indicated by the curvedarrows, without unlocking the female and male tubes 14, 18. According tothis embodiment of the invention, the external end 18 a of the male tube18 is substantially planar such that the platform 24 slides on the tubeend 18 a for being rotated about the telescoping pole 12. Therotatability of the platform 24 causes the rotatable apparatus ormechanical arm to be formed of two parts: an inner arm 24 and the outerarm 20, together a double arm mechanism 47. In other words, the doublearm mechanism 47 is formed by inner arm platform 24 and outer arm 20that operate as respective upper arm and forearm of the human anatomyand are interconnected by an elbow joint that is represented by the hub22 of the outer arm 20 that is rotatable relative to the enlargedplatform 24 at its remote position from the telescoping pole 12. Theshoulder joint is represented by the enlarged platform 24 that isrotatable relative to the male tube 18 at the end of the telescopingpole 12. A hand portion of the two-part mechanical arm is representedby, for example, the ball and socket mounting apparatus 30 of the typedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,885.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the lengthwise lockingmechanism 32 having the knob actuator 40 operating against the enlargedstationary or optionally rotatable platform 24. Optionally, the thrustbearing 46 (shown) or the bushing 48 may be interfaced between the firstactuator knob's contact surface 40 c and the stationary platform'scontact surface 24 b for easing turning of the first knob actuator 40for engaging the cooperating wedges 34, 36 of the lengthwise lockingmechanism 32. The lengthwise locking mechanism 32 operates as discussedherein.

Also illustrated is the lengthwise clamping mechanism 54 for fixing therotatable hub 22 firmly against the platform 24 so that the rotatablemechanical arm 20 neither tips nor wobbles when loaded, yet permits themechanical arm 20 to rotate fully relative to the platform 24.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the lengthwise clampingmechanism 54 that fixes the rotatable hub 22 firmly against the platform24, and simultaneously permits the mechanical arm 20 to rotate fullyrelative to the platform 24 is embodied as a second coupler 38 incooperation a second actuator 40. A second decoupling mechanism 45 ofthe invention is interfaced between the second actuator knob 40 and therotatable arm 20 for decoupling rotation of the rotatable mechanical arm20 from the second actuator knob's contact surface 40 c and therebyovercoming the loosening of the lengthwise clamping mechanism 54. Forexample, a second thrust bearing 46 is interfaced between the secondactuator 40 and the hub 22 of the rotatable arm 20. The second coupler38 is extended beyond the enlarged platform 24 remotely from thetelescoping pole 12.

The mechanical arm 20 is rotatable relative to the enlarged platform 24by the second coupler 38 passing through the hub 22. The second actuator40 is, for example, a second knob that is threaded onto a threaded end38 a of the second coupler 38 for securing the hub 22 in such manner asto permit the mechanical arm 20 to rotate about the second coupler 38relative to the enlarged platform 24. According to one embodiment of theinvention, the second decoupling mechanism 45 of the invention isembodied as the second thrust bearing 46 that is interfaced between thesecond knob actuator's contact surface 40 c and the first contactsurface 22 a of the hub 22. The second thrust bearing 46 effectivelydecouples the rotational drive of the hub's contact surface 22 a fromthe second knob actuator's contact surface 40 c, which permits the hub22 to rotate in either direction about the second coupler 38 withoutaffecting the threaded relationship between the threaded end 38 a of thesecond coupler 38 and the second knob actuator 40, i.e., withoutloosening the second knob actuator 40 on the second coupler 38 when thehub 22 is rotated in the thread direction.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the platform 24 and theremote rotatable mechanical arm 20 together form respective inner andouter portions of the double arm mechanism 47. The platform 24 is thusrotatable relative to the end 18 a of the male tube 18, whereby theplatform 24 is a second rotatable apparatus or mechanical arm that ismounted on the male tube 18 external to the female tube 14 and isrotatable about the telescoping pole 12, as indicated by the curvedarrows, without unlocking the female and male tubes 14, 18. Accordingly,the platform 24 is structured to relative to the substantially planarexternal end 18 a of the male tube 18. For example, when the enlargedplatform 24 is rotatable relative to the end 18 a of the male tube 18,it is optionally formed with a spud 24 d for alignment with the maletube 18. The clearance hole 24 a is sufficient to maintain the coupler38 in substantial alignment with the platform 24 and the male tube 18 ofthe telescoping pole 12.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the lengthwise drive mechanism 52of the invention of the invention for drawing the length of the rodcoupler 38 through the male tube 18 for pulling the farther wedge 34against the nearer wedge 36 along the inclined plane of mutual contact42. By example and without limitation, turning the threaded knobactuator 40 causes the knob actuator's contact surface 40 c to actagainst the contact surface 24 b of the external platform 24 for drawingthe rod coupler 38 through the platform 24 and progressively drawing itthrough the male tube 18, as discussed herein. According to differentembodiments of the invention, the knob actuator 40 alternatively workseither directly against a contact surface 24 b of the platform 24 (shownhere), or through the intervening hub 22 of the mechanical arm 20 (shownin previous Figures). Optionally, the decoupling mechanism 45 of theinvention is included as part of the lengthwise drive mechanism 52 foreasing rotation of the threaded knob actuator 40 relative to the contactsurface 24 b of the platform 24. For example, the thrust washer 46optionally interfaces between the knob actuator's contact surface 40 cand the stationary platform's contact surface 24 b. Optionally, thebushing 48 may be interfaced between the knob actuator's contact surface40 c and the stationary platform's contact surface 24 b for easingrotation of the threaded knob actuator 40 relative to the platform'scontact surface 24 b.

The platform 24 is optionally stationary relative to the end 18 a of themale tube 18.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the platform 24 and theremote rotatable mechanical arm 20 together form respective inner andouter portions of the double arm mechanism 47. Accordingly, the platform24 is rotatable relative to the end 18 a of the male tube 18, wherebythe platform 24 is a second rotatable apparatus or mechanical arm thatis mounted on the male tube 18 external to the female tube 14 and isrotatable about the telescoping pole 12, as indicated by the curvedarrows, without unlocking the female and male tubes 14, 18. Accordingly,the platform 24 is structured to relative to the substantially planarexternal end 18 a of the male tube 18. For example, when the enlargedplatform 24 is rotatable relative to the male tube 18, thee bushing 48is optionally interfaced between the platform 24 the male tube end 18 a.The bushing 48 is optionally formed with a spud 48 b for alignment withthe male tube 18, while the clearance hole 48 a is sufficient tomaintain the coupler 38 in substantial alignment with the platform 24and the male tube 18 of the telescoping pole 12. A sleeve portion 48 cof the bushing within the clearance hole 24 a decouples rotations of theplatform 24 from the coupler 38, while a flange portion 48 d decouplesthe rotations of the platform 24 from the end 18 a of the male tube 18.

Also illustrated here is the lengthwise clamping mechanism 54 for fixingthe rotatable hub 22 firmly against the platform 24 at a remote locationfrom the telescoping pole 12 so that the rotatable mechanical arm 20neither tips nor wobbles when loaded, yet the mechanical arm 20 is fullyrotatable relative to the platform 24.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the lengthwise clampingmechanism 54 includes the second bolt or threaded rod coupler 38 incooperation the second threaded knob actuator 40. The second decouplingmechanism 45 of the invention is interfaced between the second knobactuator 40 and the hub 22 of the rotatable arm 20. By example andwithout limitation, the second decoupling mechanism 45 of the inventionis provided as the second thrust bearing 46 that is interfaced betweenthe second knob actuator 40 and the hub 22 of the rotatable arm 20. Thethreaded end 38 a of the second coupler 38 is extended beyond thecontact surface 24 b of the enlarged platform 24 at a position locatedremotely, i.e., spaced away, from the telescoping pole 12.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the oversized head 38 b ofthe second coupler 38 and a remote portion of the enlarged platform 24are structured in a mutually cooperative manner as to keep the secondcoupler 38 from turning relative to the platform 24. For example, thesecond coupler 38 is a conventional bolt having an enlarged square orhex shaped head 38 b that is sized to fit with a mating square or hexshaped socket 24 c in the platform 24 opposite from the contact surface24 b. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second coupler38 is a rod threaded substantially its entire length and the oversizedhead 38 b is a nut, such as a locking nut, that is threaded onto thesecond coupler 38 at the second end 38 b opposite from the firstthreaded end 38 a. Alternatively, the enlarged platform 24 is welded,threaded, swaged, keyed, pinned or otherwise coupled in a rotationallyfixed relationship with the second coupler 38, whereby the oversizedhead 38 b may be eliminated. Any suitable structure for coupling thesecond coupler 38 in a rotationally fixed relationship with the enlargedplatform 24 may be substituted without deviating from the scope andintent of the invention. Additionally, although the enlarged platform 24and the second coupler 38 are expected to include such structure forbeing mutually rotationally fixed, frictional forces may adequatelysubstitute for expressly fixing the second coupler 38 relative to theenlarged platform 24.

The hub 22 of the rotatable mechanical arm 20 is structured to rotaterelative to the enlarged platform 24 even while the lengthwise clampingmechanism 54 is fully engaged for clamping the rotatable arm 20 firmlyto the platform 24. According to one embodiment of the invention, thehub 22 of the mechanical arm 20 is formed with the clearance passage 22c that is sized to pass the second bolt or rod coupler 38. The secondknob actuator 40 is firmly threaded to the threaded end 38 b of thesecond coupler 38 and thereby retains the rotatable mechanical arm 20 infirm contact with the contact surface 24 b of the enlarged platform 24even during rotation thereabout.

The inventor of the present invention has determined throughexperimentation that, without an interface structure between the secondthreaded knob actuator 40 and the platform 24 for decoupling rotationsof the mechanical arm 20 from the second actuator knob's contact surface40 c, the second threaded knob actuator 40 invariably loosens on thethreaded coupler end 38 a when the arm 20 is rotated in the threaddirection. Loosening of the second threaded knob actuator 40 relievesthe tension in the second coupler 38 and releases the lengthwiseclamping mechanism 54. The rotatable mechanical arm 20 is then able totip and wobble freely relative to the platform 24. Such loosening of thesecond threaded knob actuator 40 and consequent release of thelengthwise clamping mechanism 54 defeats the purpose of structuring themechanical arm 20 to rotate about the second coupler 38.

By example and without limitation, the second decoupling mechanism 45 ofthe invention is provided for decoupling rotation of the rotatablemechanical arm 20 from the second actuator knob's contact surface 40 cand thereby overcoming the loosening of the lengthwise clampingmechanism 54. The second decoupling mechanism 45 of the invention isprovided as the second thrust bearing 46 which is installed to interfacebetween the contact surface 40 c of the second knob actuator 40 and thefirst contact surface 22 a of the rotatable presentation platform's hub22. The second thrust bearing 46 decouples the rotational drive of thehub's contact surface 22 a from the second actuator knob's contactsurface 40 c. The thrust bearing 46 thus permits the hub 22 to rotate ineither direction about the second coupler 38 without affecting thefirmly threaded relationship between the second coupler's threaded end38 a and the second threaded knob actuator 40. The thrust bearing 46 is,by example and without limitation, any form of conventional thrustbearing, including a pin thrust bearing, a roller thrust bearing, and aball thrust bearing, as discussed herein, with the central clearancepassage 46 d fit over the second coupler 38, which simultaneously servesto center the second thrust bearing 46 within its space between the hub22 and the second threaded knob actuator 40 and to retain it in positionduring operation.

The thrust bearing 46 has been determined to support any practical loadthat can be generated between the respective hub and second knobinterface surfaces 22 a and 40 c. Intervention of the second thrustbearing 46 has been determined to effectively decouple rotations of therotatable mechanical arm 20 from the second knob contact surface 40 csuch that the second threaded knob actuator 40 invariably retains itsthreaded relationship with the threaded end 38 a of the second coupler38 when the mechanical arm 20 is rotated in any direction, including thethread direction. The novel interfacing of the second thrust bearing 46between the second actuator knob's contact surface 40 c and the hub'scontact surface 22 a thus permits relative rotation of the mechanicalarm 20, while the integrity of the threaded relationship between thethreaded end 38 a of the second coupler 38 and the second threaded knobactuator 40 is maintained and effectiveness of the clamping mechanism 54remains uncompromised.

Optionally, the bushing 48 may be interfaced between the second contactsurface 22 b of the hub 22 portion of the rotatable mechanical arm 20and the stationary platform's contact surface 24 b for easing rotationof the mechanical arm 20 relative to the platform 24. Alternatively,another thrust bearing 46 is substituted for the bushing 48 between thehub's second contact surface 22 b and the platform's contact surface 24b.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the telescoping polemount 10 having the double arm mechanism 47. As illustrated here, thedouble arm mechanism 47 is formed of the remote rotatable mechanical arm20 together with a second inner mechanical arm 58 that is rotatablerelative to the end 18 a of the male tube 18. The second mechanical arm58 is formed with a hub 58 a that is substantially the same as the hub22 of the arm 20 illustrated in earlier Figures and operatessubstantially the same. Optionally, the bushing 48 may be interfacedbetween the hub 58 a and the platform 24 for easing rotation of the arm58 about the telescoping pole 12. The mechanical arm 58 includes asecond substantially identical hub 58 b that is spaced remotely from thepole 12 by an arm extension 58 c that interconnects the remote hub 58 bto the hub 58 a at the pole 12. The remote rotatable mechanical arm 20is coupled for rotation relative to the inner arm's second hub 58 b bythe lengthwise clamping mechanism 54 that fixes the remote arm'srotatable hub 22 firmly against the inner arm's second hub 58 b. Byexample and without limitation, the second coupler 38 operates incooperation the second actuator 40 to rotatably couple the two hubs 22and 58 b. The second coupler 38 is coupled through the clearance passage22 c through the remote hub 22 and a similar clearance passage 58 dthrough the inner arm's second hub 58 b.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the oversized head 38 b ofthe second coupler 38 and inner arm's second hub 58 b are structured ina mutually cooperative manner as to keep the second coupler 38 fromturning relative to the inner arm's second hub 58 b. For example, thesecond coupler 38 is a conventional bolt having an enlarged square orhex shaped head 38 b that is sized to fit with a mating square or hexshaped socket 58 e in the hub 58 b opposite from a contact surface 58 fof the hub 58 b. According to one embodiment of the invention, thebushing 48 is optionally interfaced between the second opposite contactsurface 22 b of the remote hub 22 portion of the remote mechanical arm20 and the contact surface 58 f of the inner arm's second hub 58 b foreasing rotation of the remote mechanical arm 20.

A second decoupling mechanism 45 of the invention is interfaced betweenthe second actuator knob 40 and the remote hub 22 for decouplingrotation of the remote mechanical arm 20 from the second actuator knob'scontact surface 40 c, thereby overcoming the loosening of the lengthwiseclamping mechanism 54. For example, a second thrust bearing 46 isinterfaced between the second actuator 40 and the hub 22 of the remoterotatable mechanical arm 20.

illustrates an alternative embodiment of the disengaging mechanism 43 ofthe invention for disengaging the wedges 34, 36 from their interlockedrelationship upon relief of the lengthwise tension of the threadedcoupler 38. As illustrated here, the disengaging mechanism 43 isembodied as the strong compression spring 44 for disengaging the wedges34, 36 by pushing the farther wedge 34 away from the nearer wedge 36. Asillustrated here, the compression spring 44 is positioned between thecooperating wedges 34, 36 external of the lengthwise hollow cavities 34d, 36 d and the plane of contact 42. By example and without limitation,the wedges 34, 36 are formed with opposing ledges or annular flanges 34f, 36 f on respective external lengthwise surfaces 34 g, 36 g of thewedges 34, 36. The compression spring 44 is sized having an uncompressedlength that is longer the spacing between the opposing annular flanges34 f, 36 f such that the compression spring 44 is compressed to fitbetween the annular flanges 34 f, 36 f when the farther wedge 34 isdrawn against the nearer wedge 36. However, when effectively compressed,the compressed length of the spring 44 does not interfere withengagement of the inclined wedge surfaces 34 a, 36 a along the plane ofcontact 42 and consequent lateral spreading of the wedges 34, 36 duringengagement of the locking mechanism 32. Upon relief of the lengthwisetension of the threaded rod coupler 38, the expansion spring force inthe compressed spring 44 operates against the opposing annular flanges34 f, 36 f of the wedges 34, 36. The expansion spring force operates topush apart and disengage the two interacting wedges 34, 36 to releasethe lengthwise locking mechanism 32. The expansion force in the spring44 is sufficiently strong that, when the tension in the lengthwise rodcoupler 38 is relieved, decompression and expansion of the spring 44overcomes the jamming force that holds the wedges 34, 36 against theinner wall 14 a of the female tube 14.

The respective lengthwise hollow cavities 34 d, 36 d are irrelevant,except as means for lightening the wedges 34, 36 by removing unnecessarymaterial.

FIG. 10 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the disengagingmechanism 43 of the invention for disengaging the wedges 34, 36 fromtheir interlocked relationship upon relief of the lengthwise tension ofthe threaded rod coupler 38. As illustrated here, the disengagingmechanism 43 is embodied as strong tension spring 56 for disengaging thewedges 34, 36 by pulling the farther wedge 34 away from the nearer wedge36. As illustrated here, the tension spring 56 is positioned between thefarther wedge 34 and an extension 34 h of the nearer wedge 36 that isextended opposite from the inner male tube 18 beyond the farther wedge34. By example and without limitation, the wedges 34, 36 are formed withopposing connectors 34 i, 36 i with the tension spring 56 stretchedtherebetween. The tension spring 56 is sized having an unstretchedlength that is shorter the spacing between the opposing connectors 34 i,36 i such that the tension spring 56 must be stretched to fit betweenthe opposing connectors 34 i, 36 i when the farther wedge 34 is drawnagainst the nearer wedge 36. Upon relief of the lengthwise tension ofthe threaded rod coupler 38, the tension spring force in the stretchedspring 56 operates against the opposing connectors 34 i, 36 i of thewedges 34, 36 for pulling apart and disengaging the two interactingwedges 34, 36 to release the lengthwise locking mechanism 32. Thetension spring 56 is sufficiently strong that, when the tension in thelengthwise rod coupler 38 is relieved, retraction of the stretchedspring 56 overcomes the jamming force that holds the wedges 34, 36against the inner wall 14 a of the female tube 14.

The respective lengthwise hollow cavities 34 d, 36 d are irrelevant,except as means for lightening the wedges 34, 36 by removing unnecessarymaterial.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will be appreciated that various changes can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.For example, materials may be substituted for the different componentsof the flexible support apparatus of the invention without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the inventormakes the following claims.

1. A telescoping pole mount, comprising: an elongated male member thatis slidable within an elongated female member; first and secondcooperating wedges each structured to slide along a plane of mutualcontact that is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the femalemember, the first and second cooperating wedges being further sized toslide within the female member with the first wedge being positionedwithin the female member adjacent to a portion of the male member thatis positioned within the female member; a lengthwise drive mechanismthat is coupled for driving the second wedge against the first wedgealong the plane of contact, wherein the lengthwise drive mechanismfurther comprises: a coupler between the second wedge and a portion ofthe male member that is positioned external of the female member, and arotational actuator that is structured for driving the coupler relativeto the portion of the male member that is external of the female member,and a thrust bearing interfaced for decoupling a rotational motionbetween the actuator and the portion of the male member that is externalof the female member.
 2. The telescoping pole mount of claim 1, furthercomprising a spring that is coupled for biasing the first and secondwedges apart substantially along the longitudinal axis of the femalemember.
 3. The telescoping pole mount of claim 2 wherein the springfurther comprises a tension spring.
 4. The telescoping pole mount ofclaim 1 wherein the thrust bearing is one of a pin thrust bearing, aroller thrust bearing, and a ball thrust bearing.
 5. A telescoping polemount, comprising: a telescoping pole formed of a male tube that isslidable within a female tube along a longitudinal axis of thetelescoping pole; first and second cooperating wedges that arestructured for sliding along a plane of mutual contact that is inclinedrelative to the longitudinal axis of the telescoping pole, and the firstand second cooperating wedges being further structured for slidingwithin the female tube with the first wedge being coupled to a portionof the male tube positioned within the female tube and the first andsecond cooperating wedges further comprising a cavity formedtherebetween comprising respective lengthwise hollow cavities formed inthe first and second wedges, with the cavities communicating along aportion of the plane of mutual contact and each being formed with arespective floor portions opposite of the plane of mutual contact; alengthwise drive mechanism that is coupled for pulling the second wedgeagainst the first wedge along the plane of contact; and a compressionspring that is coupled to bias the first and second wedges apartsubstantially along the longitudinal axis of the telescoping pole,wherein the compression spring is captured in the respective lengthwisehollow cavities formed in the first and second wedges between therespective floor portions.
 6. A telescoping pole mount, comprising: atelescoping pole formed of a male tube that is slidable within a femaletube along a longitudinal axis of the telescoping pole; first and secondcooperating wedges that are structured for sliding along a plane ofmutual contact that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of thetelescoping pole, and the first and second cooperating wedges beingfurther structured for sliding within the female tube with the firstwedge being coupled to a portion of the male tube positioned within thefemale tube; a lengthwise drive mechanism that is coupled for pullingthe second wedge against the first wedge along the plane of contact,wherein the lengthwise drive mechanism further comprises: an elongatedcoupler that is coupled to the second wedge and extends through the maletube substantially along the longitudinal axis of the telescoping poleto a platform fixed to a portion of the male tube positioned external tothe female tube, a actuator coupled to an end of the coupler thatextends externally of the female tube, and a thrust bearing interfacedbetween the fixed platform and a contact surface of the actuator andpositioned for decoupling a rotational motion of the actuator from thefixed platform.
 7. The telescoping pole mount of claim 6 wherein: theend of the coupler that extends externally of the female tube furthercomprises a threaded rod; and the actuator is formed with matingthreads.
 8. The telescoping pole mount of claim 6 wherein the elongatedcoupler further extends through the first wedge.
 9. The telescoping polemount of claim 6, further comprising a spring that is coupled to biasthe first and second wedges apart substantially along the longitudinalaxis of the telescoping pole.
 10. The telescoping pole mount of claim 9wherein the spring further comprises a tension spring.
 11. A telescopingpole mount, comprising: a telescoping pole having an inner tubestructured to slide within an outer tube, the inner tube having a firstend that is structured for being positioned internal of the outer tubeand a second end that is structured for being positioned external of theouter tube and having a substantially planar contact surface structuredthereon; a lengthwise locking mechanism structured for fixing relativelengthwise positions of the inner and outer tubes, the lengthwiselocking mechanism comprising: first and second cooperating wedges thatare sized to slide within the outer tube, wherein: the first wedge iscoupled to the inner tube adjacent to the end thereof that is internalof the outer tube; the second wedge is spaced away from the inner tubeand is positioned to slide relative to the first wedge along the planeof mutual contact that is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis ofthe inner tube; a lengthwise coupling mechanism is coupled to the secondwedge and having a partially extendable portion thereof that ispartially extended external of the second end of the inner tube adjacentto the substantially planar contact surface structured thereon; and alengthwise drive mechanism is coupled to the partially extendableportion of the lengthwise coupling mechanism that is extended externalof the second end of the inner tube, the lengthwise drive mechanism isfurther operable on the partially extendable portion of the lengthwisecoupling mechanism relative to the substantially planar contact surfaceof the second end of the inner tube for urging the second wedge towardthe first wedge along the inclined plane of mutual contact.
 12. Thetelescoping pole mount of claim 11 wherein: the inner tube is positionedsubstantially within the outer tube with the first end being positionedinternal of the outer tube and the second end having the substantiallyplanar contact surface structured thereon being positioned external ofthe outer tube; and the first and second cooperating wedges beingpositioned internal of the outer tube.
 13. The telescoping pole mount ofclaim 11 further comprising a bearing that is structured for decouplinga contact surface of the lengthwise drive mechanism from thesubstantially planar contact surface on the second end of the innertube.
 14. The telescoping pole mount of claim 11, further comprising aspring positioned to bias apart the first and second cooperating wedges.